Author Napoleon Hill asked, “If I were to say to you, ‘Stop thinking about bananas,’ what actually happens? You can’t get rid of that big banana sitting smack dab in the middle of your mind, can you?” Even if you said to yourself, “Don’t think about bananas,” what happens? There it is again! So, if you don’t want to think about bananas, here’s what to do:
    1. The only way that you can stop thinking about one thing is to replace it with something else. Think about what you desire for your life in 2012. Write a list. Don’t consider these as New Year’s resolutions that you forget about by mid-January. Make this a list of actual desires filled with your passion, enthusiasm and high intention.
    2. Don’t just sit and look at the list. Make another list with action steps. What’s the first thing you have to do in order to move in the direction of your desires? If it doesn’t hurt you or anyone else, DO IT!
    3. Don’t let procrastination or fear (False Evidence Appearing Real) stop you from desiring something or from taking action. Eliminate time-wasting thoughts involving doubt, criticism, self-pity, inadequacy, envy or some other block. These keep one foot nailed to the ground so that all you do is go in circles. Dwell on productive, positive, forward-moving thoughts, and follow through. Then, do a victory dance every time a dream comes true!
    If you missed any of the Success Tips in the last four issues of Java Journal, get online and look them up at JavaJournalSTL.com. While you’re at it, enjoy the other terrific articles and content of this wonderful publication.